In week three of my Writing Masterclass journey I worked through the second part of the Outlining session, Writers Block and Creating Characters. All were interesting and generated lots of notes. Thank goodness this is a video course where I get to pause and rewind what James is saying.

Outlines (Part 2) - The main points covered in this Outlining session were;

How to troubleshoot your outline. Things like finding low points in the drama and becoming repetitive.

The outline needs to be organic and change as you write the book

Once you have the outline, step back and start writing.

Writers Block - The blank page is the enemy but with an outline this becomes less of a problem. A big cause of writers block is when a scene or a chapter isn't working. Writers start to stress and question themselves. The best way to fix this is to;

Freight Train through the first draft. Basically, if you are having problems with a scene, write TBD and move on. It doesn't matter if that scene isn't working on the second or third drafts either. Don't let it bog you down. This is a bit like the NaNoWriMo philosophy.

Stay Focused. Learn how to tune the world out when you write. Listening to quiet instrumental music may help. You need to focus to get in tune with your story.

Take a break if you are becoming overloaded.

Take it seriously. Even if you aren't writing 'War and peace' or 'Ulysses', give it everything that you've got and do the best you can possibly do.

Practice, practice, practice. That speaks for itself.

Creating Characters - One of the things that rise a book above the pack is introducing fresh, involving characters that bring a unique way of looking at the world.

You want the reader to have strong feelings about the character, love them or hate them.

Create a character that makes an impression on the reader.

Know your character, know what makes them tick. You need to get the motivation and emotion right.

You need to be able to get inside the head of your character.

Make your hero complex.

Make your villain complex too, make them worthy of your hero.

Make important secondary characters, make them vital to the story.

Create reader intimacy through your characters. Readers find out more about characters in a book than they know about real people in their life.

I have now finished the first week of the James Patterson Writing Masterclass, following the suggested timetable in the course notes. I have completed the first six video lessons and I'm working on the associated assignments. I am finding the course quite enjoyable and even inspiring. Though the information passed on by Mr. Patterson in the video tutorials is nothing new, he delivers it in a relaxed, conversational way that makes the lessons seem intimate.

The topics covered so far are;

Introduction to the class

Passion - Habit

Raw Ideas

Plot

Research

Outline

Passion - Habit dealt with the notion that you really need to be passionate about writing in general and in your current project in particular. If you are not passionate about your story, how do you expect readers to be. So, keep the passion alive, love what you do, believe in yourself and learn to endure rejection. Makes sense to me. The habit part dealt with stressing the need to write every day, to make writing a habit, a part of your daily schedule. How can you call yourself a writer, if you don't write?

Raw Ideas. This one was interesting. Mr. Patterson says that it is really rare to find a new and fresh idea, but finding ways to put several ideas together in a new and fresh way can create a unique story. He writes his ideas down and keeps them in an ideas folder. There is nothing new in this information but it is still good solid advice. The other thing he stressed in this lesson was to "read widely and learn about lots of things." You can't come up with ideas about things you don't know and you never know what piece of obscure knowledge might spark that brilliant idea for a book.

Plot. This lesson wasn't so much about how to plot a novel in a nuts-and-bolts way. It was more about the necessity of raising the stakes in your story and about creating a worthy villain for your hero to face. The challenges to your hero both internally and externally need to be challenging and interesting. One thing he said resonated with me. "Condense your plot, concentrate on causality. The king dies - then the queen dies is a story. The king dies and the queen dies of grief, is a plot." I thought that was an interesting way to put it.

Research. This lesson stress the need to git it right. Know the details, know the locations, know your vocations because if you get it wrong, there are readers out there who do know and you will lose them forever. If you are conducting interviews as part of your research, make sure the interviewee is verbal. Finding a talker who is passionate about their field is like striking gold. Another point was not to be a know-it-all. Some writers decide that if they have done all this research, by god the reader is going to know about. They drop huge - pointless to the story - info dumps so the reader can see how clever they are. Mr. Patterson also stressed that there are no excuses. With the internet, there has never been an easier time to do your research.

Outlines. This lesson has been split into two parts. It is the lesson I have been the most excited to get to because outlining is one of my weakest skills as a writer. I took pages of notes on this session. It was set out in a practical way, working through the process he uses to outline his books. Starting with jotting down everything he can think of that happens in the story, just one or two lines for each thing. Sorting through, discarding some ideas and adding more, then ordering them. He then takes the time to expand on each idea with just enough detail to know what happens in that scene. Mr. Patterson says that sometimes he might spend up to three months getting the outline right. He believes this is one of the most important aspects of writing a novel and can save so much time and heartache in the long term. The best part of this lesson is the fact that he has included, in the workbook, the complete outline for one of his favourite books, Honeymoon. Reading through this outline has given me some invaluable insight into the process.

Some time ago I saw a Youtube advert for a writing masterclass with James Patterson. I didn't skip the ad, in fact I clicked on the link and read up on the on-line video course. It actually looked pretty cool and dealt with several elements of writing I struggle with. Even though I thought hard about it, I didn't sign up.

I had too much other stuff on.

I wasn't in the right head-space to complete a course.

Although not overly expensive, there was still a not insubstantial cost.

There were a lot of negative people saying James hasn't actually written a book in over a decade, that he just puts his name on other writers works, taking the credit and most of the royalties.

James is not one of my favourite authors.

Lately, I had been thinking about the masterclass again and looking at my reasons for not signing up. True, I still have a lot of stuff on. I'm working full time, I'm trying to finish the second book in my middle grade series, I have a number of artistic projects in the pipe-line, including producing a dozen illustrations for an upcoming biography. I have a family and a new grandchild on the way. Yes, work and some family matters have been quite stressful over the last two years and I don't foresee much of an improvement in the coming year on those fronts. The cost and the negativity toward Mr Patterson, these were all just excuses and if I want to treat my writing professionally, I need to be professional. I need to prioritise my writing career and stop treating it like a hobby.

Although not my favourite author, James Patterson is a major success. I have enjoyed reading his titles that I have read and he must be doing something right because his books usually make the New York Times Best Seller list.

Then last night I was on Youtube and the advert for the course appeared again. Omen? Coincidence? Simple good marketing? Who cares. I signed up and started the course today.

I am going to post weekly as I work through the class and share my experiences. So far, I have watched the introduction, the second video lesson on Passion and Habbit, and I have started the third video on Raw Ideas. Now, I am working on the assignments; writing for at least one hour every day and coming up with three raw book ideas.

Okay, back to work now, time to put those raw book ideas down on paper...

​I am very proud to be the featured Emerging Illustrator on the Creative Kids Tales site for the month of February. Creative Kids Tales is a wonderful site that helps illustrators and authors, especially emerging ones to increase their exposure. It is also a great resource for readers, writers and illustrators with competitions and a huge collection of children's book reviews.

I have always been a bit of a nerd. I built a bookcase that looks like the TARDIS from Doctor Who. All of my favourite books live in there. The real TARDIS is bigger on the inside and can take you to meet weird and wonderful characters in new worlds full of adventure. To me books are the same. They are bigger on the inside too, portals to strange and wondrous places. Who wouldn't want to create something that amazing. But I suppose the real answer is, being published is like being accepted. It is graduating from being a writer/artist to a author/illustrator.

How long have you been writing/drawing?

I have been writing stories and really bad poetry since high school, but mainly as a hobby. I started going along to the Kids and Young Adult Literature Festivals about ten years ago and decided then that if I was going to call myself a writer, then I was going to have to start taking it seriously. Since then I have been trying to learn as much as I can about making my writing better.I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, probably since I could hold a pencil.How did you celebrate your first publication?

My first children's book, "Paper Magic" came out in late 2013. I was lucky enough to be able to write and illustrate the book. When I received the acceptance email from the publisher, I did an extended Happy Dance in front of the computer, then did another one when I printed the email and showed my wife. We celebrated again during the book launch at the school where I work - with non-alcoholic sparkly wine - it was a children's book and we were at a school so it only seemed right to do it that way. A number of the kids from the school were models for the illustrations and they were there to help us celebrate.

‘The Rooftop’ is a surprising story. The novel is set at an inner city school in Sydney where four children from diverse backgrounds learn about themselves and each other through the unusual combination of Scripture and netball.I really liked the simple appealing design of the book's cover. It highlighted the setting and introduced the readers to the main characters. Upon reading the back cover blurb - which did the book little justice - I thought this story would hold very little interest for me. However, the author delves into issues of divorce, learning difficulties, and the topical subject of refugees facing the threat of deportation. This is done sensitively through the eyes of the four children. The character of Emma, the only one of the children not facing a personal dilemma, is used as an emotional foil to highlight the other children's problems. Author Toby Hammerschlag has created a thoughtful book with a message for readers. The themes of friendship and freedom feature strongly throughout the story. The ending is quite unexpected and thought provoking but perhaps a little abrupt.This is definitely an interesting and worthwhile book to read.Reviewed by Jeffery E DohertyCKT Book ReviewerAuthor/ Illustrator:Toby HammerschlagTitle:The RooftopPublisher:Jo Jo PublishingISBN:9780994183873Published:2015Age:8-12

Messy Jellyfish by Ruth GallowayPublished by Koala Books‘Messy Jellyfish’ is an odd couple tale. Best friends Jellyfish and Seahorse live in a rockpool. Jellyfish loves to sing and dance and make a mess! Seahorse wants things to be quiet and tidy. How can they get along?When the cosiest corner of the rockpool becomes an unexpected party venue, the friendship between Seahorse and Jellyfish is tested. In this fishy story, these two friends learn how important it is to be kind and consider the feelings of others.This book hosts a delightful collection of supporting characters. I particularly liked the Singing Shrimps and Silly Starfish. The illustrations are simple and bright, complimenting the text.Author and illustrator Ruth Galloway has created a lovely picture book with a message for readers.This is definitely a book I will read to my class at school.Reviewed by Jeffery E DohertyCKT Book ReviewerAuthor/ Illustrator:Ruth GallowayTitle:Messy JellyfishPublisher:Koala BooksISBN:9781742761091Published:2015Age:3+

The first few lines of any story are the most important — and often most difficult — words you'll write. The next most challenging piece of writing is the ending. Once you draw your readers in and take them through your story, you need to leave…

Last night I attended the Spreading The Word - PR for your Book workshop hosted by Vicki Morrison, a multi-genre author, freelance writer and keynote speaker.

There was to much information a blog post but part of the workshop highlighted 10 ways to market your book. I will detail these below.

10 WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BOOK 1 Your own website! · It is essential for an author to have their own website. · They can be created and hosted very cheaply. · It is a great idea to purchase you name as a domain name (not the name of you book. Remember, the book is your product and you are your brand). · Your website should be the central point of your on-line presence. Everything should link back to your site.2) Press Release · Press releases are good for attracting the attention of media outlets, book sellers, reviewers as well as readers. · Ideally they should have a letterhead with an image of your book cover and contact details. o Follow this with the books details o Author o Title o Publisher o ISBN o Distributor o RRP (Recommended Retail Price) · When sending press releases out you need to research and target them at the right person. · Find out the targeted person’s name and correct spelling of it. o It’s no use sending a press release and book to a newspaper for a review if they do not review your genre. o Or to the purchaser of a bookshop that doesn’t sell your genre. · The more targeted you can be the more chance of success you have.3) Articles – Magazines and Newspapers · Most magazines need at least a 3 month lead time for articles. · Newspapers are usually much less. · Perhaps try an interview an expert in the field relating to the content of your book. o The interview can be turned into an article for a magazine relating to your topic o This is a great way of coming to the notice of people interested in that topic · Some newspapers, particularly local one are usually happy to do a story on the success of a local author especially coming up to a book launch.4) Book Launch · Be professional o Print up invitations (can be done relatively cheaply) o Front (Picture of your book cover) o Back (Details of the launch) · Invite widely o Family and friends o Colleagues o Media representatives o Local book sellers o Local names/celebrities o For children’s books, local teach/librarians o Local member o Mayor/Local councillors o Other authors you know · Try and arrange a special guest to do the official launch of the book. o Could be the Local Member or Mayor o Well known author o Celebrity o Someone related to the topic of your book. · Everything you do, do it as a Point of Difference · Don’t be boring. Think outside the box. o There is nothing as boring as a launch where the author reads from the book after a bunch of speeches and then does a signing. o Have a video or Powerpoint display. o Have someone act out a scene o Have giveaways or prizes o Display art from the book o For kids books, do something hands on related to the book o Raffle off the chance to have the winner’s name used for a character in your next book. · Make the launch special and memorable. · Provide nibbles and drinks o Ask around, you might get some donations or at least offers of help. · Look professional (considering your BRAND) · Most important – ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE.5) List the book on Amazon · Claim your author page. You can edit it to enhance your brand. · Pay close attention to key words o Take advantage of common search phrases and choose your key words to suit o Make it easy for the Amazon, Google etc. Search bots to find your book. That way it will display closer to the top of the list. o Try to get reviews on Amazon. Good reviews increase sales.6) Book Reviews Sites and Blogs · Try to get as many reviews as possible. o Find book review sites and request they review your book o Target the sites most likely to review in your genre o If they can’t do a review, they may still post an author interview or bio. Ask.7) Radio · Try and get an interview on radio stations o Local radio stations are usually open to these o ABC does book and reading segments that might do an interview o Have giveaways o Don’t just try and sell your book, sell your brand · Radio interviews are brilliant in the days leading up to your launch, even the morning of the launch.8) Social Media (This is a whole topic in itself). · Social media sites can be good for generating word of mouth hype for your book · Pick sites you are comfortable using · Think about who and where your audience are and if they use social media you would be stupid not to use it to reach them · If they don’t use social media then it is not as important. · Make sure ALL your social media sites link back to your author website. · Social Media Sites o Facebook, o Twitter o Linkedin o Goodreads o Pinterest o Google + · DON’T BE ANNOYING o Don’t just spruik your book o Get involved in the community o Promote your brand (YOU)9) Blog · Start a blog. o A writers blog or o Readers blog o Keep your personal blog separate if you have one o Your promotional or professional blog should be highlighting your brand o Approach similar blogs and request to do a guest blog post o Comment of similar blogs. This generates traffic to your blog o After your books release, arrange a blog tour of sites that your audience may frequent.10) Join Forums and Discussion Groups · Google groups is a good place to find groups interested in your book’s topic. · Becoming involved in these communities could generate interest in you and your book. · Again, DON’T be annoying. · Goodreads has 12 million members who all love to read books. o Join their author Program o You can add book excerpts o Videos o Quizzes o Host Q & A’s etc.BECOME PART OF THE WRITING COMMUNITY

Sounds Spooky (Picture Book)Christopher Cheng & Sarah DavisRandom House Australia.www.sounds-spooky.comISBN: 9781864718805Now, this isn’t a new book. It was first published in 2011 and was chosen as a Notable Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). The reason I am reviewing the book now is that I took it along to Vacation Care this week to read to the kids and they keep asking me to read it again.There is no better recommendation than that.

The kids were also impressed that my copy has been signed by Sarah Davis along with one of her delightful 30 second bat sketches.Sounds Spooky is a twist on a haunted house story where the ghost is being frightened by all the spooky sounds being made by three children who sneak into the old house at night. Christopher’s text is atmospheric and flows musically off the tongue, offering the reader plenty of scope to screech and growl at their young listeners during the story.

"Plinketty Plunketty Plonk Plink Plunk Twang!"

The illustrations by Sarah Davis, my personal favourite children’s book illustrator, have been created from individually crafted 3D models for this book. Sarah even built the entire haunted house set for the characters to live out their adventure. There is so much detail in each scene that you find something new hidden there each time you read the story. The characters are quirky and appealing, especially the vulnerable young ghost girl.

My favourite scene in the book is where the children are tentatively listening at one side of the bedroom door and the ghost girl is listening at the other. The amount of expression and emotion displayed by the characters fits the scene perfectly.

Sounds Spooky is a delightfully fun book to read aloud to younger children. It leaves the children asking for more. It is also great for newly independent readers.